On February 1, the NFL will announce the Defensive Player of the Year at their NFL Honors. The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping outside linebacker T.J. Watt will bring home the trophy. But if you think the league is going to just hand Watt the title your fandom is showing. This is a crowded class and could be an incredibly close vote.
Here’s how the contenders break down.
Steelers LB T.J. Watt
Watt finished the season with 55 total tackles, 13.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 36 quarterback hits, 2 interceptions and 8 forced fumbles. He was the star of a very good Steelers defense and elevated the play of everyone around him.
Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore
Gilmore led the league with 6 interceptions, had 50 total tackles and 20 passes defended. He was far and away the best coverage cornerback in the NFL and his impact went well beyond the boxscore.
Bucs LB Shaq Barrett
Barrett led the league with 19.5 sacks, and had 37 quarterback hits, 29 tackles for loss, 58 tackles, 1 interception and 6 forced fumbles. Barrett had a massive breakout season after failing to break out with the Denver Broncos.
Chandler Jones LB Arizona Cardinals
Jones finished the season with 53 tackles, 19 sacks, 26 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss, 8 forced fumbles and 5 passes defended. This is Jones’ fifth straight season with more than 10 sacks and was a steady performer all season.
